Some thoughts on my new Roadster

[RKTNMYPKT]

Picked up my new 2014 Roadster yesterday
I Had a chance to put a couple hundred miles on her today.
Here are a few of my initial observations. All of these are in comparison to my R3T


I don't know if its the different seating position compared to my R3T but in my opinion the Roadster feels lighter and handles much better. I was able to handle those slow tight radius turns much easier on the Roadster.

I actually like the foot position better on the Roadster as well. I feel the different seating position changes the way the bike handles for the better. And my knees felt fine

My wife however was not comfortable with location of the passenger foot pegs. And the saddle bags were actually pushing against her calves
I will probably have to put some after market boards on for her and try to move them forward.

I like the instrument cluster! With the R3T I would have to scroll through to find what I needed. With the Roadster everything is right there.

I ordered the Longhaul seat with this bike and so far I'm not real impressed, after just a couple hrs in the saddle. I was squirming around looking for some relief, and I could feel Adriana doing the same.

Transmission: Same old clunky hard to find first gear transmission that I had on my Touring
Some things never change...


Power:

Looks: she's beautiful! The phantom black with red stripes was definitely the right choice

All in all I love the bike, a few minor changes and she will be perfect!

 

[wildchild]

Looks great! It took me a while to get used to the foot pegs and foot position after owning two Kawasaki Vulcans. Now I feel like it's second nature. Definitely improves the handling...even in tight quarters.

Anyhow, congrats and many happy miles to you

 

[flyreels]

Hi I am buying one soon, so it is good to hear how you like it.
Can I ask what month and year your bike was built?
Cheers Pete

 

[RKTNMYPKT]

Hi I am buying one soon, so it is good to hear how you like it.
Can I ask what month and year your bike was built?
Cheers Pete

I don't know how do I figure that out?

 

[flyreels]

The build date is normally on the steering neck, there should be a plate with all the vin numbers and build date etc I think.
Cheers Pete

 

[fnscotsman]

Congrats

Congratulations on the new purchase yesterday. Great minds think alike, I just picked up my first Rocket Roadster yesterday.
I traded in my R1200c and the Rocket is so much more sweeter than the Beemer was. The first thing that strikes me is that there is no gear lash with the shaft drive. The Beemer I always had to be careful when applying the throttle coming out of corners as there was always a clunk as the slack in the gears was taken up. All my other shaft drive bikes were the same way, however the Rocket has no such clink. It is very smooth and linear delivery.
Power.... well enough said about that.

Didn't get any chance to get her out properly today though...

 

[kblahetka]

I sat on a roadster when I bought my standard, the foot peg position was closer to the adventurer I owned previously but on the rocket made my leg press on the bear claw. I would think the peg placement would shift your pelvis a bit forward and would expect you to need some time to adjust no matter what seat you had.

 

[fnscotsman]

I sat on a roadster when I bought my standard, the foot peg position was closer to the adventurer I owned previously but on the rocket made my leg press on the bear claw. I would think the peg placement would shift your pelvis a bit forward and would expect you to need some time to adjust no matter what seat you had.

I notice my left knee against the bear claw too. I'm 6' tall and tried different positions but still had the knee touching. Does everyone else have this issue? Still it's a small price to pay...

 

[kblahetka]

I assume its normal, on my adventurer my legs leaned into the tank. On the roadster it only touched the one side. It wouldn't have been a deal breaker for me though, the 05 they had was a screaming deal.

 

[RKTNMYPKT]

Just ordered these Kuryakyn floorboards to replace the rear pegs and move the foot position forward a little. It's a bit expensive, but a small price to pay for a happy wife...

Front Splined Adapter Mounts Item #8808
$26.99

Premium Floorboards for Driver or Passenger (pr) Item #4351
$189.99

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